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Flight of the Madisons: Wren's Tavern

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Photo by Craig Swain

Flight of the Madisons: Wren's Tavern

Wren's Tavern historical marker.

After leaving the president's house, James Madison stopped at Wren's Tavern in Falls Church, Virginia, to obtain the latest updates on the military situation, and two armed cavalrymen were provided by Captain George Graham to escort him. James Wren, builder of Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria and the Old Fairfax Courthouse, maintained an ordinary (a tavern that served regular meals) as part of the Federal-style mansion on his 145-acre estate. The tavern is no longer in existence but the site is marked by a sign erected by the City of Fairfax, Virginia.